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Q&A with Bill Agee of Agee's Bicycles

Agee's Bicycles continues to offer quality service to cyclists all over Richmond, and is back on board as a sponsor of the Anthem Moonlight Ride on August 4th. We talked to Bill Agee about the growth of the family-owned company and their involvement in numerous community events and projects in RVA.


Tell us a little bit about the history of Agee’s Bicycles.

Agee’s Bicycles was started by Louis Agee in 1910 in the Byrd Park neighborhood. His son, Montague, took over the operation of the shop in the late 1930’s in its first of three locations on Cary Street. Montague’s sons Monty Jr. and Bill started working in the family business when they were eight years old and are running the company today. Agee’s has grown to three Richmond locations and become one of the oldest and leading bike shops in the nation.

How has Agee’s Bicycles grown in the 100 years it has been a part of the Richmond community?

For many people in the Richmond area, the trip to Agee’s to purchase a first bicycle is one of the fondest and brightest memories of childhood. Agee’s continued presence in the Richmond area throughout the years has allowed customers to return to Agee’s to continue the tradition with the newest generations of family members. Children can now visit Agee’s with siblings, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents to make new memories that are shared with the past. In addition to providing many members of the Richmond community with lifelong memories, Agee’s has been a contributor to the Richmond community for many years through its involvement with various organizations, projects, and initiatives. 

What makes Agee’s unique in the bike community?

Agee’s has long been recognized as a leader in the bicycle industry. In its most recent history, Agee’s was voted by the bicycle industry as one of the Top 100 Bicycle Shops in the Nation in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Agee family involvement in the day-to-day operations of Agee’s Bicycles is the foundation of Agee’s management practices and what makes Agee’s unique. Members of the Agee family are leaders in all aspects of the business from buying and marketing to day-to-day operations and service. On any given day, it is not unusual to see a member of the Agee family servicing a bike, counseling a customer, or providing continued training to an employee. This hands-on approach to management ensures that each Agee’s customer receives the same level of service and attention to detail that has been the basis of Agee’s success for four generations.  

We’re excited to have Agee’s back on board as a sponsor of the Anthem Moonlight Ride. Why does Agee’s think it’s important to get involved in community events like the Anthem Moonlight Ride?

Agee’s values the Richmond community and believes its continued involvement in the community is a way to give back to the community that has supported its success throughout its history.

We know you’re doing some great promotions for riders leading up to the event. Tell us about your activation plans.

We are offering free safety checks of rider’s bikes prior to the ride. If any service is needed, Agee’s is offering a discount of 10% off any parts and accessories needed for the service. We will also be holding a drawing the night of the event for a new Trek 7.1 fitness bike.

If participants visit the Agee’s booth at the Anthem Moonlight Ride what should they expect to see?

Our latest addition to our event display is an antique replica three person Courting Cycle. This is a great prop for a unique photo opportunity. Sitting side by side on this four-wheeled bike provides a memorable photo. We will have a team of service techs on hand for any last minute adjustments, and we will also have for sale those last minute items such as lights and helmets. 

What are you most excited about in preparation for the Anthem Moonlight Ride?

            Seeing all of the riders enjoying a fun night of cycling with fellow cyclists.

How else is Agee’s active in the Richmond community?

In one of its most well-known and valued partnerships, Agee’s collected thousands of used bicycles through its incentive program for Richmond’s Sergeant Santa. With the help of Agee’s, Sergeant Santa was able to give thousands of Richmond-area children a cherished bicycle. Agee’s dedication to physical fitness in local school districts was acknowledged with Bill Agee receiving the 2010 VAHPERD Presidential Award for leadership and dedication to lifetime physical activity and service to Virginia school systems. Through the years, Agee’s has supported many local events and charities through its sponsorship, donations and involvement, including the Moonlight Ride, Children’s Hospital, and the Goochland Free Clinic. Additionally, Agee’s has provided free bicycle support to riders in nine local races and charity rides. 

Why do you think it’s important for Richmond to host cycling events like Anthem Moonlight Ride, Cap2Cap, World Cycling Championships and others?

These events will help Richmond catch up with other leading communities in becoming a bike friendly place to live and visit.

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